Modi must break the mould on Aug. 15

Every year the Prime Minister of India stands early in the morning facing the ramparts of the Red Fort and speaks to the nation. This is not a moment for politics, or at least should not be — this is the country’s chief executive addressing his (and her) fellow citizens and providing a vision, a direction of where the country is headed and where it should. Many stirring speeches have been made from this platform, and an equal number of dull, uninspiring ones too, but it is a tradition that must carry on. It is a direct outreach to the nation, not via television or radio and not on a political platform.

Narendra Modi is the latest one in a long line of Prime Ministers to speak from here. He was already so sure of coming here that during his election campaign he addressed a political rally with a Red Fort replica in the background. Last year, when he made his first speech after taking office, it was closely watched, not merely because he is at his best when orating, but also to see what he would say. It was a strong speech, where he talked of moving ahead by consensus, not just by parliamentary majority, which sounds a bit ironic today. He also asked that a moratorium be put on communalism and sectarianism for 10 years, which of course is a message that did not reach out to some of his colleagues. But it was an interesting speech in that it showed a Modi wanting to be conciliatory and inclusive.

We don’t yet know what he will say today. Much has happened in the past year and the political mood today is one of bitterness and finger-pointing. Presumably he will keep politics out, but what will be in? We will know soon enough, but here are some ideas for a speech that not just he, but any Prime Minister could give to really rouse the masses. Declare that from now on all ministers will live in one/two bedroom flats. They will leave their bungalows, without fuss, and downsize during their entire term. The same would apply to MPs and progeny of long gone leaders. Getting a bungalow with staff and perks would no longer be a given; if they want to stay there, at best the government would subsidise the market rent by 20 per cent. And when their term is over, they would leave the flat within 24 hours.

All MPs, ministers, bureaucrats, etc., will from now on travel by public transport. If they want to come by car, they should use their own. Their salary could include a small fuel allowance, but the vehicle would belong to them, bought from their own funds. Similarly, airline and rail tickets to the constituency to be reduced. It is almost guaranteed that public transport would improve drastically once those who decide its future have to use it.

No more subsidised food in the parliamentary canteen. Asking the public at large to give up its subsidies, while continuing to get cheap food (and cheap everything) is hypocritical in the extreme. Politicians keep talking of public spiritedness and keep calling themselves servants of the people; let them show it. In the same vein, all annual salary hikes to be based on strict performance parameters. This is the norm for everyone, why not for politicians? No one will grudge a raise if the beneficiary has done a good job — attending Parliament, asking questions, working on behalf of constituents, etc. The deliverables have to be clearly defined. Did the bridge that was promised 15 years ago finally get built? Where is that technical college that was to come up in the district? Why are citizens still travelling 30 km to get water? A yearly report card to be made and circulated and then an inflation-linked raise considered. What could be more fair and egalitarian?

No promotion of incompetent progeny, relatives or friends. This does not mean smart people from within the immediate family circle cannot also join politics, but they cannot take their ascension for granted. And even here, a limit of one child/relative per MP who can enter politics. No more speeches in the future tense. There is a tendency among politicians and ministers to make promises about what they will do, not so much about what they have done. This is particularly the case with ministers, who are all the time talking of MoUs signed, grand plans in the works and massive projects that are just about to happen. The future always sounds rosy; who remembers what was said anyway? But rarely does anything come to fruition and meanwhile even more grandiose promises are made. This has to stop.

Any Prime Minister who will incorporate these points into his speech will electrify the country and go down in history. He will also immediately lose the support of each and every member of Parliament and will probably not last long at his job. Because, as we do know, its one thing to call yourself servant of the people, and quite another to do anything that actually makes you one. Any of the above prescriptions will inject real accountability into the political system — voting every five years is all wonderful and transfers power in the hands of the voter for a short while, but after that the hapless citizens are left to their own devices, till the next election comes round.

So one more Independence Day will come and go and all the routines will be followed. Broadcasters will play patriotic songs, children will be called to school early in the morning to witness the flag-hoisting ceremony and Prime Ministers will make speeches. Which is all wonderful. But why not once do something that will really change our lives?